At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and support SCADA systems for essential water services.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable water solutions while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational technology and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future.
We are seeking an experienced OT SCADA Engineer to support the safe, secure and efficient operation of critical operational assets. This is a highly technical, hands-on role focused on the design, configuration, delivery and ongoing support of SCADA, PLC, telemetry and wider Operational Technology (OT) systems that underpin essential operational services. Working across the full SCADA lifecycle, you will play a key role in system design, commissioning, fault diagnosis, optimisation and continuous improvement. You will ensure OT systems are robust, resilient and consistently available, complying with regulatory, health & safety and cyber-security requirements, while aligning with established OT standards and governance.
Key Responsibilities- Design, configure, commission and support SCADA systems, including alarms, data handling, trending, archiving and visualisation across both new and legacy platforms.
- Integrate PLCs, RTUs and field instrumentation with SCADA systems using standard industrial protocols (e.g. Modbus, OPC, Ethernet/IP).
- Configure, commission and support telemetry and point-to-point communications, including radio, cellular and satellite solutions for remote and unmanned sites.
- Deliver high-quality HMI configuration and commissioning, ensuring consistency with standards and effective operator interaction.
- Design, configure and support OT network infrastructure (Ethernet, serial, fieldbus), undertaking fault diagnostics using industry-recognised tools.
- Support SCADA platform and server infrastructure across Windows and Linux environments, including system build, configuration, hardening and lifecycle support.
- Deliver OT projects in line with scope, timescales, budgets and change governance.
- Provide reactive operational support, including fault diagnosis, root cause analysis and follow-up actions, and take part in a 24 x 7 x 365 standby rota (role-dependent).
- Apply OT technical standards, cyber-security controls and health & safety requirements consistently, contributing to continuous improvement and best practice.
- Design, develop and commission PLC software for new assets, and provide expert fault-finding support to frontline operational teams (role-dependent).
- Experience working in operational or industrial technology environments within a medium to large organisation.
- Demonstrable experience across multiple OT disciplines, including: SCADA system configuration and support, PLC diagnostics and code modification, telemetry and RTU configuration, industrial communications and OT networking.
- Experience providing reactive support in live operational environments, including participation in standby or on-call arrangements.
- Experience contributing to OT project delivery, including documentation, testing, commissioning and handover.
- Experience applying technical standards, change governance and cyber-security principles in regulated or critical operational environments.
- Practical understanding of clean water and wastewater treatment processes sufficient to support monitoring, control and fault resolution.
- Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and a Science subject.
- Relevant industrial control, automation or engineering qualification (ONC/HNC or equivalent).
- Relevant SCADA, PLC or industrial automation training.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Ability to successfully obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC).
- Industrial control or automation apprenticeship, or equivalent industry experience.
- Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2).
- Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Vendor-specific or specialist training in SCADA, PLCs, telemetry, networking or cyber security.
Ready to make a difference? Join us as our OT SCADA Engineer and help create a workplace where people thrive. We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our OT SCADA Engineer, you'll enjoy:
- Competitive Salary - Based on experience and skills
- Annual Bonus Scheme - Recognising company performance
- Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for your future
- Flexible Working Options - We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible
- Healthcare Benefits - Access to employee assistance programs
- Employee Discounts - On various products and services
- Annual Leave - Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement
Closing Date: Monday 11th May 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness. Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
OT SCADA Engineer in Devon employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an OT SCADA Engineer, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to employee growth through training and development opportunities. Join us in our mission to provide safe drinking water while contributing to a greener future in one of the UK's most beautiful regions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT SCADA Engineer in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the OT SCADA Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can confidently discuss SCADA systems, PLCs, and telemetry. We want to see your passion for operational technology shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in live operational environments. We love candidates who can think on their feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at South West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace OT SCADA Engineer in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the OT SCADA Engineer role. Highlight your experience with SCADA systems, PLCs, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our goals!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical expertise! Include specific examples of your work with telemetry, fault diagnosis, and operational technology systems. This is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the table.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your SCADA Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SCADA systems, PLCs, and telemetry. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, including the design and configuration processes. This will show that you have hands-on experience and understand the technical requirements of the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in live operational environments. Think about times when you had to diagnose faults or implement improvements. Highlighting your ability to think on your feet will impress interviewers looking for someone who can handle the pressure.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory, health & safety, and cyber-security standards relevant to the water sector. Being able to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles will demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves collaboration and possibly being part of a standby rota, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share how you've contributed to project delivery and supported colleagues in achieving common goals. This will highlight your ability to work well within a team.
